NFL Notes

Former USC quarterback Matt Leinart (Mater Dei/USC) is hoping to get one more shot to show what he can do as an NFL starter.

With Carson Palmer (Santa Margarita/USC) out for Oakland's season finale in San Diego on Sunday because of cracked ribs and a bruised lung, Leinart and Terrelle Pryor have been sharing time at practice.

Raiders coach Dennis Allen said he won't pick a starter until after today's practice, but it seems likely both quarterbacks will get a chance. Leinart has started only two games since 2007 and failed to live up the expectations of winning the Heisman Trophy at USC in 2004 and being a first-round draft pick by Arizona in 2006.

“I still feel I have a lot to prove at this point of my career,” Leinart said Thursday. “No matter what the naysayers say, I do feel like I still can play. … But you're only given so many opportunities in this league. That's why this weekend would be awesome.”

SANCHEZ TO START AGAIN

New York Jets quarterback Greg McElroy has a concussion and will be replaced by ex-USC and Mission Viejo High quarterback Mark Sanchez as the starter in the season finale at Buffalo.

McElroy, preparing to make his second NFL start in place of the benched Sanchez, was lifting weights Thursday and started experiencing headaches, Coach Rex Ryan said. McElroy went to the team's training staff, then revealed he was suffering concussionlike symptoms after being sacked 11 times in the Jets' 27-17 loss to San Diego.

Ryan chose to start Sanchez over Tim Tebow because the team has only two practices and a walkthrough to prepare before the game. He also cited Sanchez's success against the Bills in the opener.

SEAHAWK WINS APPEAL

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman won his appeal of a four-game suspension for use of performance-enhancing substances, making him eligible for the playoffs.

The decision was made by former NFL executive Bob Wallace.

Sherman was steadfast since news broke of his pending suspension that he believed he would win on appeal. Sherman's appeal was based on errors in the chain of custody of his sample and that there were mistakes made by the tester.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Dallas nose tackle Josh Brent was driving with a suspended license and had a blood-alcohol content of 0.189 at the time of the car crash that killed teammate and friend Jerry Brown earlier this month, according to police documents. . . .

Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau told players he will be back next season, which would be his 55th consecutive in the NFL. . . .

Jared Allen returned to practice for Minnesota after missing Wednesday's practice because of an illness. Adrian Peterson was held out for a second day in a row, but the Vikings routinely have been giving the running back days off during the week. . . .

San Francisco All-Pro defensive tackle Justin Smith is unlikely to play Sunday against Arizona because of a partially torn left triceps. The injury could force Smith to miss some or all of the postseason. . . .

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson said he's “a go” for the season finale against Jacksonville despite missing a second consecutive practice because of an ankle injury. . . .

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